Terror policy has caused stigma, Muslim police warn

British values are under threat because the government's attempt to combat terrorism has left whole communities "stigmatised", the National Association of Muslim Police has told MPs.

The Prevent strategy, designed to stop radicalisation, focuses too much on Islamic extremism rather than the threat posed by the far right, claims the association, which represents more than 2,000 police officers.

"Never before has a community been mapped in a manner and nor will it be," the association said in evidence to a Commons select committee on the strategy, known as Preventing Violent Extremism. "It is frustrating to see this in a country that is a real pillar and example of freedom of expression and choice.

"Our British system is a model for the world to follow, yet we have embarked on a journey that has put this very core of British values under real threat."

It added: "The hatred towards Muslims has grown to a level that defies all logic and is an affront to British values. The climate is such that Muslims are subject to daily abuse in a manner that would be ridiculed by Britain, were this to occur anywhere else."

The comments are contained in a memorandum to the committee stating that the growth of the far right and its ability to carry out terror acts should not be underestimated: "All forms [of violent extremism] – rightwing, separatist, so-called Islamist, green issues … need to be addressed as opposed to the current Prevent focus on Islam."

There was a sense of frustration among Muslims and "some serious damage" may already have been done, it said.

The government's anti-terrorism policies could not "continue unchecked", said the memorandum, and more thorough research should have been done before any consideration was given to the Prevent strategy being formulated. The result, it said, was a rise in Islamophobia.

The association said the evidence showed "we deal with so-called Islamist extremists as [being] terrorist, whilst the right wing and separatist are dealt with as [being] extremist – hence facing lesser legal action.

"It can be argued that there is a connection in the rise of Islamophobia and our Prevent programme, as it feeds on the stereotypes that the media and some rightwing parties promote, ie that all Muslims are evil and non trustworthy."

The comments are embarrassing for Gordon Brown, who has said the association is crucial to bridge the divide between Muslims and the police. It is thought to be the first time that the association, founded in 2007, has criticised government policy. The association believes the government is wrong to blame Islam as the main driver of terrorist activity.

Research from interviews with those convicted of terrorist acts "shows Islam was not, and is not, a real driver – but all our strategy seem to focus on is this un-evidenced view of Islam being the driver," they said.

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